Tips & Tricks: Expression

I’m starting off my set of tips and tricks with Expressions!

“True” expressions from people are precious. Sometimes the expression is one of happiness and laughter, or maybe you caught your subject off guard and they look innocent. They’re great to see live, but even better to look back on in the future. Whatever expression is crossing their face will help trigger a memory, thus delivering a smile and turning your photo into something captivating.

An expression can change the entire feel of the photo. Obviously one of laughter conveys good times and no worries, maybe even making you smile.

My portfolio is arguably 90% photos of people smiling or laughing, but I believe “blank” expressions are just as special. Some people really speak with their eyes, so for them a blank expression can convey much more than the obvious smile or frown.

Of course, a goofy face never hurt anyone 😉

I get the best expressions from my subjects when I just talk to them to get a feel for who they are, what they like and how they react to jokes and what-not. It’s amazing how well you can get to know someone in a short amount of time! Experiment with your subjects, their expressions and what provokes each one, or try some shots of a blank stare. Kids are a really good start to capturing expressions.

What would you like to see next? Props? Lighting? Landscape? Let me hear your ideas!